“You just don’t understand.”
“What don’t you think I understand?”
“I’ve invested a lot of time in our relationship and he’s done nothing like this before. I don’t want to make any hasty decisions. I don’t want to just throw away two years without thinking things through.”
I stop walking and face her with what probably looks like a way too serious look on my face.
“I’m not trying to be a dick about this but I’d bet a hundred bucks that this is not the first time he’s cheated on you, and time spent in a relationship is not an excuse to stay with someone who disrespects you.”
Time spent in the marriage was always my mother’s excuse.
Now, she has no time left.
“Let’s talk about something else.”
She looks like she wants to puke.
“Sure.”
“How’s your shoulder?”
“Good,” I lie yet again. I’m on a roll tonight. “The alcohol did its job and I don’t feel a thing.”
“Promise me you’ll get a referral for an orthopedic doctor and maybe a pain management specialist. Getting drunk every night is not a treatment plan.”
“I promise,” I tell her, which isn’t a lie. The team already has all of that set up for me on Monday.
She latches onto the crook of my good arm as we walk. I think more than anything she’s trying to keep steady on her feet, but the physical connection between us feels nice.
“You mentioned before that you went to Penn State and that you’re from Texas, so how did you end up in New York?”
“A job opportunity that didn’t pan out so well.”
“Oh, gotcha. You know I’m pretty good with resumes if you need some help.”
“I’ll figure it out,” I say, smiling. “I always do.”
“How do you spend most of your day? Are you applying for positions online?”
“I paint mostly.”
“You paint? What kinds of paintings?”
“I like oil versus watercolor. I’m working on a portrait right now but I’m better at landscapes.”
I pull out my cell phone and open my photos app to one of more impressive pieces.
“See.”
“This is beautiful. Where is this?”
“A farm in Texas. This is part of the land.”
“I’m duly impressed. You really have talent.”
I grin so hard I can feel it deep in my chest.
She’s impressed, and I didn’t even have to throw a touchdown to do it.
